One way to break in?

The Court of Master Sommelier’s website has a job section and on September 9, The French Laundry posted a position for a wine intern. It goes like this:

Wine Intern, The French Laundry Restaurant ~ Napa Valley, CA

Title: Wine Intern – The French Laundry Restaurant

Company Overview: The French Laundry is a 60 seat, Wine Spectator Grand Award winning, Michelin 3 star property located in Yountville, CA.  The restaurants’ wine list consists of over 2,200 selections and retains a total inventory of around 18,000 bottles.

Position Summary: The French Laundry Restaurant is offering a 3 month, unpaid, internship in its wine department in Yountville, CA.  Qualified candidates will be expected to be able to work five days a week, up to 10 hours a day, lift boxes up to 50 lbs. and be of at least 21 years of age.

Roles and Responsibilities: Wine interns will be assisting the wine department with an array of different duties that include: wine list maintenance, inventory, cellar maintenance, wine restock and assisting sommeliers in the restaurant during service. Wine interns will gain valuable global wine knowledge and fine dinning wine service skills during their internship.

Education: Strong global wine knowledge is a requirement and first level sommelier certification is preferred.

Skills: Must be able to work in a fast paced environment where attention to detail is critical, working with others is a must and having the ability to think on your feet is crucial.

Experience: Minimum 3 years working in a restaurant environment.

Contact: Interested applicants can forward a resume to choel@frenchlaundry.com to ensure consideration of his/her background.

How many people are willing to work 10-hour days lifting boxes for free? It’s a pretty steep request.

I checked out the restaurants website, from which you can get a pdf of their 107-page wine list (it has two Long Island wines, both from Channing Daughters).